Comments: The UV market remains a bright spot in graphic arts, and Zeller+Gmelin GmbH (ZG), an Eislingen, Germany-based specialist in UV inks and varnishes, is continuing to grow in this market.

Marcus Ruckstaedter, who was recently named managing director, Zeller+Gmelin UK Ltd., noted that raw materials are a major concern for ZG and the entire ink industry.

“We have been hit with tremendous and ongoing price increases in nearly all raw material groups, like pigments, acrylate binders, additives, etc., since the middle of 2010,” Mr. Ruckstaedter said. “Some raw materials have not only increased in price but are short in supply. This has driven companies to not only search for alternative sources, but in some cases, look for alternative materials. Currently there is not noticeable improvement regarding raw materials, and the trend leads us to believe it could get worse before it gets better.”

Zeller+Gmelin is enjoying growth in the UV market. Mr. Ruckstaedter noted that Zeller+Gmelin added a special assembly line in Germany, a new subsidiary in Mexico and is looking for further opportunities to add subsidiaries globally. With an eye on the food packaging market, Zeller+Gmelin is meeting the need for low migration inks.

“In food packaging, we are seeing an increasing demand for low migration products,” Mr. Ruckstaedter said. “Therefore, we have established our own analytical center and we are building a fit-to-purpose extension for low migration ink products.”

In the U.S., Zeller+Gmelin USA moved into a new 85,000 square foot, state-of-the-art building in Henrico County, VA. Occupancy of the building is expected to occur within the first quarter of 2011. The new location will combine its corporate offices, manufacturing and warehouse distribution center. The property is large enough for future expansions. Also in the U.S., Les Watkins has joined the company as its technical director.